China butterfly valve suppliers give some potential drawbacks or disadvantages of butterfly valves include:

Prone to cavitation damage.

The high-velocity flow around the disc can lead to cavitation damage, especially for valves with larger diameters. This can damage the valve seats and disc over time.

Higher head loss.

Compared to other valve types like ball valves, butterfly valves typically have higher head loss due to the obstruction created by the disc. This can reduce efficiency in some systems.

Not suitable for high pressures.

Butterfly valves are more suited for low to medium pressure systems. They can typically handle pressures up to only around 150-300 psi, depending on size and materials. Higher pressures can damage the valve.

Limited temperature range.

The temperature range for butterfly valves is typically limited to around -10 to 550°F, depending on the seat and seal materials. This makes them unsuitable for very high temperature applications.

Prone to disc sticking.

The disc in a butterfly valve can stick to the seat due to buildup of debris or corrosion over time. This can prevent the valve from operating properly. More frequent cycling or maintenance is required to prevent sticking.

Position sensitive.

The positioning of a butterfly valve in a pipeline is important. If installed incorrectly, the disc can flutter and vibrate, causing noise and damage. The valve needs to be oriented so the disc opens smoothly against the direction of flow.

Require frequent exercise.

Butterfly valves require frequent opening and closing to prevent the disc from bonding to the seat. If left in the open or closed position for prolonged periods, the disc can become stuck, preventing operation.

Higher torque requirements.

Larger butterfly valves, especially those used for isolation, typically require higher torques to operate due to the large disc. This often requires gearboxes or actuators to operate.